Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
Following the recent season-ending injury to running back Kendre Miller, another member of the New Orleans Saints’ 2025 NFL Draft class is about to see a significant increase in playing time.
Neal Is A Highly-Anticipated Rookie
Running back Devin Neal was drafted in the sixth-round by the Saints in this year’s draft. It was a selection that was immediately called a steal as many expected Neal to be off the board by round four at the latest. However, the Saints were able to select the Kansas record-holder near the end of day three.
Neal holds his alma mater’s all-time records in career rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, scrimmage touchdowns and 100-plus yard rushing games. He was also the first Kansas running back to rush for over 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons. Now, the Saints will turn to him to pair with veteran back Alvin Kamara for the remainder of the year.
“His role obviously will increase quite a bit moving forward,” head coach Kellen Moore said of Neal on Monday. “I think he can do all aspects of the run game, pass game, protections. We’re going to count on him moving forward.”
Neal has already impressed with his pass-protection in Week 7 against the Chicago Bears.
What a block by Devin Neal pic.twitter.com/RyH7u2I5uE
— Saints Film Room (@SaintsFilmRoom) October 19, 2025
The 2025 Draft Class Has Seen A Lot Of Action
The back won’t be the only rookie to see his participation skyrocket this year. Safety Jonas Sanker, cornerback Quincy Riley and linebacker Danny Stutsman have seen some increases in participation, with Sanker and Riley stepping into starting roles.
First-round rookie Kelvin Banks Jr. was a Week 1 starter at left tackle for the team and seventh-rounders tight end Moliki Matavao and defensive end Fadil Diggs have each seen early-season opportunities until their position groups healed up from injury.
2025 third-round defensive tackle Vernon Broughton also saw some increased exposure early. Unfortunately, Broughton had his own season-ending injury earlier in the year.
The only rookie that hasn’t seen a lot of time is quarterback Tyler Shough, who saw just three snaps late in the team’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks. But many expect that his time will eventually come as the Saints continue to evaluate their young talent across the roster.
Promising Performances
Led by Banks, Sanker and Riley, the Saints’ 2025 draft class has shown enough promise to generate excitement. Banks has continued to get better and better throughout the year. Meanwhile Sanker and Riley became the first tandem of Saints rookies with an interception in their first season since 2019. The last pairing to do so were former safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson and defensive tackle Shy Tuttle.
QUINCY RILEY SAID GIMMEEEEEE DAT. SAINTS BALL
📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/W7vuZrxGkv
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) October 19, 2025
Stutsman has seen some increased reps, taking snaps in place of veteran linebacker Pete Werner during the third drive of each half over the last two games. His ability to fly to the football and tackle securely in the run game have already begun to help him stand out.
Neal will be the next rookie to get his shot to show the staff he can be an impact player. While it all happens on the heels of an unfortunate injury to Miller, the rookie back has been working hard behind the scenes to be ready in case his team needs him. With the Saints’ running game struggling over the last few weeks, they certainly need him now.
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